Physical exercise equipment in particular for the pilates method

ABSTRACT

An exercise equipment device comprises a frame provided with a first end, a second end and two side rails extending from the first end to the second end, a moving carriage supported by the side rails being configured to perform a movement in translation along at least one portion of a length of the side rails and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, two transverse crossmembers, and four profiled feet formed by a profile having a closed outer cylindrical peripheral casing and a cylindrical interior channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application PCT/FR2020/051021, filed Jun. 15, 2020, designating the United States of America and published as International Patent Publication WO 2020/254749 A1 on Dec. 24, 2020, which claims the benefit under Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to French Patent Application Serial No. FR1906431, filed Jun. 15, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of exercise equipment, particularly for the Pilates method.

BACKGROUND

The Pilates method is a system of physical activity developed at the beginning of the 20th century by an enthusiast of sports and the human body, Joseph Pilates. The Pilates method is practiced on mats with or without accessories or using mechanical machines. It aims to develop deep muscles and to improve posture, muscle balance and joint flexibility, in order to maintain, improve or restore physical functions.

Most mechanical Pilates machines are made up of a stable frame on which a moving carriage slides longitudinally that is connected to a transverse upright by springs that provide resistance to the movements.

The Reformer (trade name) is the most widely used device in Pilates. It consists of a padded moving carriage, sliding between two rails. Springs attached under the moving carriage retain the rear of the moving carriage at the rear and stationary end of the Reformer machine. These springs create a resistance force to the movement of the moving carriage.

The rear end of the Reformer machine also comprises a lateral support bar that can, in certain variants, be adjusted to different positions by an adjustment mechanism. Pressing against this bar facilitates the forward movement of the moving carriage.

The front end of the Reformer machine consists of a system of pulleys and retaining ropes, which, on the one hand are attached to the front part of the moving carriage, and on the other hand terminate in handles or straps. Pulling the ropes via the handles or straps directly drives the movement of the moving carriage.

International Patent Application WO2013009306A1 describes a fitness exercise device comprising a rectangular frame.

The rail portions of the frame each comprise a vertical outer wall, an integral downward-facing inner wall and an outwardly open hidden slot between the inner and outer walls.

A footrest support assembly that is removably attached to each of the outwardly open slots provides support for the footrest. Each footrest support assembly comprises an elongated sliding plate removably attached within the slot, a hook-shaped plate attached to the sliding plate, and a footrest support arm rotatably and slidably attached to the hook-shaped plate.

A pair of tubular uprights, each comprising an upper pulley at the end of the rope of the direct arm of the frame, terminate in a rope return assembly mounted on the support. The return assembly releases the ropes by rotating each of the shoulder stops toward the end of the frame on the foot side.

International Patent Application WO2015/166122 describes another device having a frame whose elements comprise two parallel side rails provided with guides on which a moving carriage moves against the resistance of springs, which work in tension and are connected by one end to the moving carriage while their other end is connected to a crossmember that can be placed in different fixed positions. The device comprises two mobile shoes placed in different positions along the guide rails, which are attached on the side rails of the frame. The mobile shoes form the stop of the moving carriage in different starting positions varying the tension of the springs. This device further comprises a crossmember, the ends of which are connected to slides coupled to the guide rails, the crossmember being able to be placed in different positions.

Another example of such a device is in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2013/210593. This device comprises a frame assembly and a movable user support disposed on the frame assembly. The movable user support is constructed and arranged to support an exerciser and allow the exerciser to move while being supported on the movable user support, with one end of the exerciser being movable relative to the movable user support.

The exerciser also comprises a ballet barre assembly.

The ballet barre assembly comprises a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the end of the operator on the movable user support, and a support structure configured to support the ballet barre in a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support.

Pilates machines must have great rigidity and robustness to allow intensive use, individually or more often in the gym. This leads to heavy and massive structures, made from a large number of parts that require laborious assembly. However, such equipment should ideally also allow easy transport and installation, for example, for delivery between the place of manufacture and the place of use.

Furthermore, the current structures of Pilates machines are ill-suited to the integration of connected systems (such as servers, electronic boxes, cables, detectors or sensors). However, in the case of sports machines, it would be desirable to allow easy and optimized integration of tools and/or useful technological parameters: (i) for physical exercise, and more particularly for the practice of the Pilates method on a Reformer machine, and/or (ii) to monitor the uses of the various equipment inherent to the Reformer machine (i.e., speed of movement of the moving carriage, resistance force applied by the engaged springs).

Finally, in the case of gymnastic equipment, it must have a high level of finish and a pleasing esthetic appearance.

The machines of the prior art do not meet these characteristics: either (i) the frame consists of a structure that is massive and/or which is difficult to assemble and dismantle, or (ii) the frame is poorly suited to the integration of technological tools and electronic systems, or (iii) the frame is produced by assemblies lacking rigidity and/or elegance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In order to remedy these drawbacks, the present disclosure relates in its most general sense to exercise equipment comprising a frame provided with a first end, a second end and two side rails extending from the first end to the second end, a moving carriage supported by the side rails being configured to perform a movement in translation along at least one portion of a length of the side rails and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, characterized in that:

-   -   the frame further comprises two transverse crossmembers and four         profiled feet,     -   each of the feet being formed by a profile having a closed outer         cylindrical peripheral casing and a cylindrical interior         channel,     -   the peripheral casing being connected to the cylindrical channel         by longitudinal ribs,     -   the peripheral casing having, at its upper part, cutouts for         engaging the end of a crossmember in a first direction and the         end of a side rail in a second direction perpendicular to the         first direction,     -   the peripheral casing forming longitudinal lips delimited on one         side by the edge of a cutout and on the other side by a         connecting rib with the interior channel or the peripheral         casing.

The cylindrical channel has a circular, or oval, or rectangular or polygonal section. It can also have one or more longitudinal slots to facilitate manufacturing by extrusion or assembly.

Advantageously, the four feet (5 to 8) consist of identical profiles.

Preferably, the profile has, at one of its ends, a plurality of ribs parallel to the longitudinal faces of the peripheral casing.

According to a particular variant, the side rails are formed by a profile in the shape of an asymmetrical sideways “T.”

According to a particular variant, the side rails are interconnected by at least one fixed structural assembly or one removable reinforcing assembly.

Preferably, the front surface of the profile of the foot is closed by a plate having a section conforming to the section of the peripheral tubular casing of the foot and having an aperture that opens onto the interior channel of the profile of the foot.

The interior hollow cavities of the profiles of the feet, of the side rails and/or of the whole of the transverse crossmember further comprise at least one technological equipment item such as electronic boxes, chips, cables, power supplies, detectors, sensors or other equipment of utility for the Pilates device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood on reading the detailed description of a non-limiting example of the present disclosure, which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the frame of a Pilates machine according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a Pilates machine according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a close-up of a sectional view of a profile of a foot;

FIG. 4 shows sectional views of examples of other embodiments of the profile of a foot;

FIG. 5 shows a three-quarter top view of a profile of a foot;

FIG. 6 shows a three-quarter rear view of a profile of a side rail;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the assembly of a foot and a crossmember;

FIG. 8 shows a partial view of the assembly of the component elements of a Pilates machine according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the front end of the frame and vertical bars;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the mechanism of the transverse movable arch;

FIG. 11 shows a partial view of a connected electronic system inserted inside the component elements of a Pilates machine according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a general view of equipment provided with a drum;

FIG. 13 shows a partial exploded detailed view of the drum;

FIG. 14 shows a view of a variant of the drum;

FIG. 15 shows a view of another variant of the drum;

FIG. 16 shows a view of another variant of the drum;

FIG. 17 shows a view of another variant of the drum;

FIG. 18 shows a view of another variant of the drum;

FIG. 19 shows a general view of equipment fitted with a Pilates chair;

FIG. 20 shows a general view of an equipment item provided with a multimedia accessory; and

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the drum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of a Pilates machine frame according to the present disclosure, and of a Pilates machine with its main components.

The frame is made up of two side rails (1, 2), two crossmembers (3, 4) and four feet (5 to 8) each providing the 90° connection between a side rail and a crossmember.

Optionally, one or more additional crossmembers (190) are added to improve the rigidity and stability of the frame.

The components of the frame are made of metal profiles, preferably aluminum profiles.

The feet (5 to 8) provide vertical cavities opening into an aperture (51; 61; 71; 81) provided in the front plug (52; 62; 72; 82) closing the foot (5 to 8).

The apertures allow the insertion of accessories that are useful for the practice of physical exercise, such as vertical bars (53, 63, 73, 83).

According to a variant, a first set of vertical bars (53, 63) is mounted on the frame near the head end thereof, by engagement in the cavities (71, 81) provided in the feet (5, 6), while a second set of adjustable bars (73, 83) is mounted near the opposite end, by engagement in the cavities (71, 81) of the feet (7, 8).

A moving carriage (9) slides on the side rails (1, 2). It is retained in a known manner by a set of springs (12) attached below the moving carriage (9) on the one hand, and below the platform (191) located at the rear end of the machine on the other hand.

Alternatively, the set of springs (12) is attached below the moving carriage (9) on the one hand, and on the crossmember (4) on the other hand.

Alternatively again, an additional transverse crossmember is attached to the two side rails (1, 2) at the rear end of the frame, in an adjustable position, to attach the set of springs (12) retaining the moving carriage (9).

According to an alternative embodiment, this additional transverse crossmember also supports the attachment points of the mechanism adjusting the positioning of the movable arch that constitutes the lateral support bar of the Reformer machine.

Alternatively, the lateral support bar of the Reformer machine consists of a movable arch (10) articulated around pivots (11) attached to the side rails (1, 2), allowing positioning at a desired angle and then locking in this position.

Details of the Foot Profiles

FIG. 3 shows a detailed sectional view of the upper part of a foot. FIG. 4 shows sectional views of different alternative embodiments all responding to the same operating principle.

The feet can all have the same height. Alternatively, a first size of low or intermediate foot can be provided for one of the ends and feet of intermediate or high height for the end intended to receive accessories. In this case, the same profile will be cut at different intervals.

The foot is formed by a profile preferably made from aluminum with a constant section, having a tubular outer casing (100) of oval section, and an inner casing (110) defining an interior channel of circular section or of asymmetric section. The outer casing (100) and the inner casing (110) are connected by stiffeners (111, 121).

The profile also has two longitudinal walls (112, 122) parallel to the longitudinal walls of the outer casing (100). These two longitudinal walls (112, 122) extend between the stiffeners (111; 121) and the stiffeners (113; 123) respectively extending perpendicular to the longitudinal walls of the outer casing (100). According to a variant, the ribs (113) and (123) meet to form a single rib perpendicular to the longitudinal outer casing (100) of the profile.

The end opposite that where the inner casing (110) is located has a series of four ribs (114, 115; 125, 124) extending longitudinally, parallel to the longitudinal walls of the outer casing (100).

In the described example, these ribs (114, 115; 125, 124) extend from the inner surface of the opposite curved portion of the inner casing (110) to the stiffeners (113; 123) without, however, coming into contact with the surface of the stiffeners (113; 123). According to an alternative embodiment, the stiffeners (115) and (125) are in contact with the surface of the stiffeners (113) and (123), which meet.

A second channel (130) is positioned between the ribs (115, 125), and connected to the latter by transverse stiffeners (116, 126). It is used to receive a plug (52, 62, 72, 82) masking the front end of the foot.

Alternatively, the channel (130) is positioned between the ribs (115, 125) and in direct contact with the interior of the outer casing (100).

Alternatively, the channel (130) is positioned between the ribs (115, 125) and in direct contact with the ribs (113, 123) that meet to form a single rib perpendicular to the outer longitudinal casing (100) of the profile.

FIG. 4 presents a list of nonlimiting examples of variant profiles of a foot.

Details of the Assembly of the Foot Profile and the Side Rail Profile

FIG. 5 shows the upper part of a foot made from a profile illustrated in FIG. 3, after the cutouts allowing the junction of the side rails (1, 2).

A first cutout (140) of the outer casing (100) is formed along the rib (123) and the rib (125). The rib (124) is also cut out over part of the height. The total height of the cutout (140) is greater than the height of the cutout in the rib (124).

The cutout (140) is formed to allow the introduction of the end of the side rail (1) consisting of a profile shown in FIG. 6. This profile has an asymmetric sideways “T”-shaped section. According to one variant, the cylindrical section of the side rail includes one or more stiffeners connecting the opposite inner faces of the casing of the profile of the side rail.

The cutout of the outer casing (100) is completed by a transverse cutout over all or part of the width, over a height corresponding to the thickness of the median section (146) of the profile of the side rail (1).

The lower section (144) has a width corresponding to the distance between the rib (124) and the longitudinal wall of the outer casing (100).

The upper section (145) has a width corresponding to the distance between the rib (125) and the longitudinal wall of the outer casing (100).

Between the two extends a wider intermediate section (146), the width of which corresponds to the transverse cutout of the foot.

The cutout (140) allows the end of the side rail to be embedded to form a solid connection, completed by screwing in at least one screw passing through the apertures (147, 148) of the upper section (145). According to a variant, additional assembly screws or nodes reinforce the attachment of the profile of the side rail in the cutout of the profile of the foot provided for this purpose. According to yet another variant, the side rail is welded to the foot. The lower surface (149) of the profile of the side rail bears on the front edge of the cutout of the outer casing (100) and on the edge of the cutout of the ribs (124).

The inner face of the section (144) bears against the rib (124). The inner face of the upper section (145) bears against the rib (125).

Details of the Assembly of the Profile of the Foot and the Transverse Crossmember

In FIG. 7, the outer faces (117, 127) of the foot are positioned in the same plane as the outer surface of the longitudinal face of the casing (100) of the profile of the foot.

A cutout (156 or 150) is made on one of the side faces (117 or 127) of the casing (100) of the profile of the foot. It has a general “U” shape and is located between the two stiffeners (111, 113 or 121 and 123), leaving two lips (151 and 152) on each side of the cutout (150 or 156). This cutout (150 or 156) allows the introduction of a plate (160) provided at the end of a crossmember (3, 4) by vertical sliding (as shown in FIG. 7).

The assembly is locked by one or more screws (153, 154) passing through the casing (100) and the plate (160) and respectively screwing into the longitudinal walls of the profile of the foot (117 and 112 or 127 and 122).

Alternatively, the inner walls of the profile of the foot formed by the walls forming ribs (122 and 112) have an opening or cutout of the same type as the cutout (150 or 156). The plate (160) provided at the end of the crossmember (3, 4) is inserted against the opposite inner face of the peripheral casing (100) of the foot. For example, in the case of a cutout (150) on the outer face of the foot (100) formed by the rib (127), the plate (160) slides along the inner longitudinal wall of the profile of the foot formed by the rib (117) and the stiffeners (111 and 113). In this case, the plate (160) is locked by one or more screws passing through the casing (100) via the wall formed by the rib (117) and the wall formed by the rib (112). The assembly described above allows the support of the transverse crossmember (3, 4) to be reinforced by resting on two inner walls (112 and 122) and an outer wall (117 or 127) of the profile of the foot.

Alternatively again, the transverse crossmember (3, 4) has two or more plates (160) at each of its ends so that at least two plates (160) are inserted into the profile of the foot at least at two locations between the stiffeners (111 and 113) as well as the stiffeners (121 and 123). According to yet another variant, the plate(s) (160) have a height corresponding to the height of the foot in which they slide so that the lower front part participates in the resistance to the load applied by the transverse crossmember (3, 4).

FIG. 8 shows a partial and exploded view of the assembly of a side rail (1, 2) and a transverse crossmember (3, 4) in a foot (5, 6, 7, 8) as well as the cover (85, 86, 87, 88) closing the assembly on top of the foot.

Details of the Accessories that Fit into the Cylindrical Interior Channel of the Foot

The profile of the foot also comprises an opening for the insertion of a thumb wheel (170) driving a locking screw of a tubular or square accessory introduced into the inner casing (110) defining a main cylindrical channel.

These accessories are, for example:

-   -   simple vertical bars placed in each of the feet;     -   adjustable and/or swiveling vertical bars that are placed in         each of the feet;     -   an arch made up of a single bar that would fit into the foot         cavities on each side;     -   an arch made up of 2 vertical bars inserted into the feet on         which a removable horizontal bar is attached;     -   a flat panel attached vertically between and on two vertical         bars that would fit into the foot cavities on each side.

Details of the Vertical Bar Mechanism

FIG. 9 shows a view of the front end of the frame and vertical bars.

The lower part (180) of the vertical bar consists of a bar that fits into the inner casing (110) of the foot (5, 6, 7, 8). The thumb wheel (170) present on the end of the foot allows the height of the vertical bar to be adjusted and fixed.

The upper part (181) of the vertical bar is composed of a handle that fits inside the cylindrical channel (180). The entire handle (181) is movable and can be rotated in a circular motion on the fixed lower tubular portion (180). An attachment system at the intersection of the top of the bar (180) and the bottom of the handle (181) allows the position of the handle (181) to be locked. Preferably, the handle (181) can be adjusted in 4 positions: 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. According to one variant, the vertical bars are fixed and do not rotate.

Beyond the support of the handles (181), the bars (180) also support the supports (182) on which the pulleys-slings (184) are hung that retain the ropes (185) attached to the moving carriage (9). The supports (182) slide along the bar (180) to be adjusted to the desired height for the pulleys-slings (184). A thumb wheel (183) is used to lock the height and fix the position of the support (182) along the vertical bar having a certain number of predefined openings allowing the attachment level of the support (182) to be adjusted.

Lateral Support Bar Mechanism Details

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of a mechanism for adjusting the angle of inclination of the arch (10) formed by a pivoting side bar (11) by means of an articulation system. The arch (10) is connected by a spring-mounted axis (217) to the rotary mechanism (218), which, by a pulling movement in the direction opposite the direction of this axis, enables the system that locks the bar in this axis to be released. The rotation is facilitated by a double ball bearing (214, 215) held in place by a retaining plate (216) attached by at least one screw (210, 220) passing through the plate through openings (211, 221) and the axes of which are at the main mechanism (212, 222). All the elements of the mechanism are furthermore embedded in a box comprising an outer lid (200) attached by screws (213, 223) to the inner lid (201).

Details of Electronic, Technologies and/or Connected Elements Installed in or on Component Elements of the Pilates Machine

FIG. 11 shows the possible integration of electronic equipment (230) allowing the addition of interaction and communication functionalities. The electronic equipment items can be integrated and inserted inside the feet (5, 6, 7, 8) and can be connected to one another without limitation by cables (231, 232) passing through transverse crossmembers (3, 4) and side rails (1, 2). Sensors or detectors connected to the system by the cables (233) or by a wireless connection (234) can be integrated on any element or surface of the Pilates machine. The detectors are, for example:

-   -   contactors for determining the chosen level of resistance         (detectors indicating which springs are engaged and the level of         resistance applied with such an assortment of springs)     -   contactors for determining the position of the attachment system         and the adjustment of all the springs (12) at the rear end of         the machine     -   contactors for determining the position of the lateral support         bar     -   contactors for determining the height of the supports (182) of         the pulleys-slings (184) on the vertical bars     -   pressure or movement detectors for locating the user on the         machine and more particularly the carriage (9) or the platform         (191) (weight, pressure or heat detectors)     -   detectors measuring the distance traveled by the carriage and         the speed or acceleration of the carriage during movement     -   detectors measuring the length of the ropes (185)

Alternative Embodiments

Beyond the small accessories traditionally used as part of the Pilates method, such as the bar, the ring (also called “Pilates ring”), the soft ball, elastic bands, etc., which can be used when practicing on a mat or on a machine, there are a few accessories specific to Pilates Reformer machine exercise. However, these accessories do not meet the characteristics previously mentioned: either they are not stable, or they do not truly add new functionalities and simply offer an alternative support for the performance of usual exercises.

The “box” and the “jump board” are two examples belonging to the common repertoire of known accessories that can be used with or on a Pilates Reformer machine:

-   -   The “box” accessory is either (i) placed on the top of the         moving carriage so that the user perched on this box can perform         specific exercises; or (ii) sits on the floor next to the         Pilates Reformer machine to allow the performance of other         specific types of exercises. This “box” is a known external         accessory for the Pilates Reformer machine. Its main drawback is         its lack of stability. Indeed, since it is not fixed during its         use on the moving carriage or on the ground, this box tends to         move, which can be dangerous during sports practice.     -   The “jump board” accessory is attached to the rear end of the         Pilates Reformer machine. Its main use is to provide a wider         support zone than the lateral support bar, also located at the         rear end of the Pilates Reformer machine. Different variants of         this jump board exist, for example, the mobile footrest solution         described in patent EP1583590B1.

The exercise equipment according to the present disclosure also makes it possible to offer, with the described frame structure or also with other structures, a flexibility allowing the device to be adapted easily and quickly to multiple physical exercises.

For this purpose, the exercise equipment comprises a frame provided with a first end at the front, a second end at the rear and two side rails that extend from the first end to the second end, a carriage supported by the side rails being configured to perform a movement in translation along at least a portion of a length of the side rails and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, characterized in that

-   -   the frame further comprises two transverse crossmembers and four         feet, at least one of the transverse crossmembers having, at its         front ends, a head for engaging in translation in a direction         perpendicular to the transverse axis in a complementary cavity         formed on the inner surface of the corresponding feet     -   the transverse crossmember constituting a support for transverse         accessories.

Preferably, the central part of at least one of the transverse crossmembers is of round cylindrical shape. According to an alternative, the cylindrical part in the center of the crossmember is not round, but of a shape appropriate for the accessory that it supports.

It is specified that within the meaning of this patent, the term “cylindrical” is not limited to a cylinder of revolution, but extends to any volume whose casing is a ruled surface whose generatrices are parallel, that is, a surface in space made up of parallel lines.

Drum Variant

According to a first variant illustrated by FIGS. 12 to 17, the equipment further comprises a drum (55) mounted on comprising a central channel having a section greater than the section of the transverse crossmember. This drum constitutes an accessory suitable for being supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

Advantageously, this drum (55) has a slot for engagement on the transverse crossmember (3). Once inserted into the transverse crossmember, the latter serves as an axis so that the drum is free to rotate on itself. Optionally, a locking mechanism can accompany the drum in order either to allow the attachment of the latter in a stable position or to leave the drum free to rotate on itself.

According to one variant, the drum has an asymmetric shape comprising at least one planar surface.

According to another variant, the drum incorporates a spring or elastic band resistance system preferably installed inside the drum.

The drum comprises a central channel (174) having a section greater than the central cylindrical section (162) of the crossmember allowing the engagement of the drum on the transverse crossmember (3).

Preferably, the drum consists of a foam roll.

According to a variant, it consists of a rigid cylindrical roll (176) closed at each end by a lid (177) and covered with a foam coating.

Once inserted into the transverse crossmember (3), the latter becomes the central axis allowing the rotary movement of the drum (55). Preferably, the drum can rotate 360° on itself, but a locking mechanism makes it possible either to activate the rotation of the drum or to fix it in a stable position.

According to a variant, the locking mechanism consists of a rod (171) slipping into the section (172) of the plate (161), then into the aperture (173) of the side lid (177) of the drum to finally fit into the central cylindrical section (162) of the transverse crossmember (3).

The drum accessory (55) is supported by a set of two vertical bars (53 and 63) inserted respectively into the apertures (51 and 61) of the profiles of the feet (5 and 6) and locked by the thumb wheels (170). The bars (53, 63) are arranged on each side of the drum (55). Handles (181) located at the upper end of the vertical bars (53, 63) serve as a support for a user performing exercises on the drum (55). Beyond the support of the handles (181), the bars (53, 63) also support the supports (182) on which the pulleys-slings (184) are hung that retain the ropes (185) attached to the moving carriage (9). The supports (182) slide along the vertical bars (53, 63) to be adjusted to the desired height for the pulleys-slings (184). A thumb wheel (183) is used to lock the height and fix the position of the support (182) along the vertical bar having a certain number of predefined openings allowing the attachment level of the support (182) to be adjusted.

According to a variant shown in FIG. 20, a platform (192) connecting the two side rails (1) and (2) is associated with the drum accessory (55). The platform (192) is either very close to the drum (55), as shown in FIG. 13, or a little further away. It can even be very far from the drum (55) and is located equidistant from the front end of the machine where the drum (55) is and the rear end of the exercise machine.

According to a variant, the accessory of the drum includes a system of resistance to the rotary movement of the drum, preferably by springs or elastic bands, which generates resistance to the movement of the drum when it is in the free movement position. Preferably, the resistance system is located inside the drum.

The addition of the drum accessory (55) at the front of the Pilates machine facilitates the development of new exercise programs combining: (i) the benefits of the principles of the Pilates method, whose objective is to develop deep muscles, to improve posture, to balance muscles and improve joint flexibility, to maintain, improve or restore physical functions; with (ii) the benefits of the principles of stretching, in particular, for certain types of back stretching that are often limited in the traditional configuration of a Pilates Reformer machine.

At the same time, the drum also allows the development and integration of new sets of exercises complementary to the exercises and positions usually performed from a Pilates Reformer machine, especially exercises intended for abdominal strengthening, but also for muscle strengthening in the arms, legs and back.

Alternative Embodiment of the Drum

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the drum, with a drum (55) of cylindrical shape having two front faces (255) that are concave and crossed by a central channel. The front faces (255) have a flat (256) in which is housed the annular extension (257) of complementary shape of a ring (258) ensuring the guidance of the transverse axis.

Variant with Heavy-Duty Wheel

According to a second variant illustrated in FIG. 18, the equipment further comprises a magnetic resistance rower wheel capable of being fully or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

According to one alternative, the equipment further comprises a hydraulic resistance rower wheel capable of being fully or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

According to one alternative, the equipment further comprises an air resistance rower wheel capable of being fully or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

According to one alternative, the equipment further comprises a water resistance rower wheel capable of being fully or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

According to one variant, the accessory of the rower comprises detectors dedicated to collecting information related to the movement of the rower as well as a screen dedicated to disseminating the collected information.

The Rower Accessory

FIG. 18 shows the accessory of the rower (56), which constitutes an accessory capable of being supported by the crossmember (3).

The rower installed in a vertical position comprises a central channel (174) having a section greater than the central cylindrical section (162) of the crossmember allowing the engagement of a rower wheel with magnetic, hydraulic, water or air resistance (59) on the transverse crossmember.

According to a variant, the rower (56) is installed in a horizontal position under the transverse crossmember (3) in order to be attached on the one hand to the transverse crossmember (3) and on the other hand to a base placed on the ground. Alternatively, the rower (56) installed in a horizontal position and attached under the transverse crossmember (3) is placed directly on the ground.

According to another variant, the rower (56) installed in a horizontal position attaches onto the top of the transverse crossmember (3).

A rope (65) attached to a handle (66) is wound around the resistance wheel of the rower. A crossmember (190) on which straps (68, 67) are attached serves as a footrest.

The addition of the drum accessory (55) at the front of the Pilates machine facilitates the development of new exercise programs combining: (i) the benefits of the principles of the Pilates method, whose objective is to develop deep muscles, to improve posture, to balance muscles and improve joint flexibility, to maintain, improve or restore physical functions; with (ii) the benefits of training principles aimed at increasing the heart rate.

Finally, this combination of Reformer machine and rower module equipment offers a new type of training to users who alternate sequences on the rower intended to accelerate the heart rate with series of exercises that capitalize on the resistance of the springs of the Reformer machine to work the deep muscles.

Variant with Pedal Chair

According to a third variant, the equipment further comprises a pedal chair capable of being fully or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or by the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

FIG. 19 shows the chair accessory, which constitutes a set of accessories capable of being supported by the crossmember (3) located at the front end of the frame of the machine.

The assembly of the chair consists of a high horizontal shelf (57) attached to the feet (50, 60) and/or the transverse crossmember (3), of at least one low shelf (58) attached to a bar (35) attached to a cylindrical support (34) in which a second bar (33) passes that is in turn attached to the bottom of the feet (5, 6). According to a variant, the bar (35) comprises a plate (80) at each of its ends that slides from bottom to top in the profile of the feet (5, 6) and between the ribs (117 and 112 or 127 and 122) of the feet.

At least one spring (70) is attached to the lower shelf (58) and to the transverse crossmember (3) or the upper shelf (57). The spring mechanism creates resistance and uses the lower shelf (58) as a pedal for up and down movements.

According to a training variant, the user sits on the shelf (57), places his feet on the lower shelf (58) and presses on the shelf with his feet and his legs to push the lower shelf (58) toward the ground. According to this variant, the upper horizontal shelf (57) must be attached at a height equivalent to that of a “Pilates chair” type equipment item, which implies adjusting the height of the feet (50, 60) (shown in FIG. 19), which are higher than the conventional feet (5, 6) (shown in FIG. 2).

Owing to the profile assembly mechanism of the feet and the side rails (1, 2) forming the front end of the frame, it is possible to insert the side rails (1, 2) into feet (50, 60) higher than usual feet (5, 6).

The addition of the pedal (58) chair assembly at the front of the Pilates machine facilitates the development of new exercise programs combining: (i) the benefits of the principles of the Pilates method on the Reformer machine with (ii) the benefits of the principles of the Pilates method on the pedal chair.

Variant with Screen or Tablet

According to a fourth variant, the equipment further comprises a screen or a multimedia tablet. The multimedia tool constitutes an accessory suitable for being wholly or partially supported by the transverse crossmember (3) located at the front end of the machine or the transverse crossmember (4) located at the rear end of the machine.

Advantageously, the equipment items capable of being wholly or partially supported by the transverse crossmembers (3, 4) include, according to a variant, at least one connected equipment item.

FIG. 20 shows a screen (169) or tablet used as a multimedia accessory. The screen (169) is attached to the transverse crossmember (3) by a support (168) that slides and is attached on the crossmember (3) at the front end of the machine.

According to a variant, the same type of screen or tablet is attached to the transverse crossmember (4) at the rear end of the machine via a similar or different attachment method.

The addition of a multimedia tool on the Pilates machine facilitates the communication of exercise instructions during the session as well as the distribution of (i) educational content related to the practice of the Pilates method, or (ii) entertainment intended to distract the user during all or part of the duration of his training. 

1. An exercise equipment device comprising a frame provided with a first end, a second end and two side rails that extend from the first end to the second end, a moving carriage supported by the side rails, the moving carriage configured to move translationally along at least a portion of a length of the side rails and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the moving carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, wherein: the frame further comprises two transverse crossmembers and four profiled feet; each of the feet are formed by a profile having an outer peripheral casing and an inner casing defining a cylindrical interior channel; the outer peripheral casing is connected to the cylindrical interior channel by longitudinal ribs constituting stiffeners; the outer peripheral casing having as, at its upper part, cutouts for engaging the end of a crossmember in a first direction and the end of a side rail in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the outer peripheral casing forms longitudinal lips delimited on one side by an edge of a cutout and on the other side by stiffeners formed by stiffeners formed by one of the longitudinal ribs or connecting ribs so that the end of the crossmember engaged in the cutout bears on an inner face of the lips.
 2. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the four feet have identical profiles.
 3. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the peripheral casing has longitudinal faces and the profile of the foot has, at one of its ends, a plurality of ribs parallel to the longitudinal faces of the outer peripheral casing.
 4. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the inner casing of the profile of the foot has a circular, or oval, or rectangular or polygonal section.
 5. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the profile of the foot is closed by a plate having a section conforming to the section of the peripheral tubular casing of the profile of the foot and having an aperture opening onto the inner casing forming a channel.
 6. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the side rails are constituted by a profile in the form of an asymmetrical sideways “T.”
 7. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the side rails are interconnected by at least one fixed structural assembly or one removable reinforcing assembly.
 8. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein the interior channels of the profiles of the feet, of the profiles of the side rails and/or of all the transverse crossmembers further comprise at least one technological equipment item.
 9. The exercise equipment device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the crossmembers serves as a support axis for additional accessories.
 10. The exercise equipment device of claim 8, wherein the at least one technological equipment item comprises at least one of an electronic box, a chip, a cable, a power supply, a detector, a sensor, or an actuator. 